Mental health services in Hong Kong: development of community-based inclusive development practice faced with the cultural barriers

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the development of mental health service policy in Hong Kong. After the return of Hong Kong’s sovereignty to China, mental health services in Hong Kong transformed from an institution-based care model supplemented by community care to a staging model covering primary prevention, early identification, treatment and integration. However, the staging model is subject to cultural barriers, including collectivist values and medical dominance. Therefore, the development of a community-based inclusive development model that follows a rights-based strategy and addresses the regression of the staging model (due to cultural barriers) should be considered. Design/methodology/approach It is a comprehensive literature review which covered the journal articles, policy review papers and service reports. The foundation of this review was laid upon the development of traditional Chinese culture and values. As brought by the influence of the Western world, the mental health service policy was cling towards a medically oriented system. Following the worldwide change in the definition of disability, the ideology of the mental health service system has been developing into a community-based and person-centred model which emphasised on equal participation and human rights. This review serves to evaluate and discuss how a community-based inclusive development can be further developed in Hong Kong. Findings A formal support system for providing personal assistance to people with mental health issues through supported decision-making and certified peer specialists forms the principal foundation of a community-based inclusive development model. A review and reconsideration of laws governing guardianship, compulsory treatment and detention should be conducted to enable the local implementation of supported decision-making. Originality/value The paper addressed and integrated the theoretical, historical and practical issues in developing a community-based inclusive mental health service policy in Hong Kong.